Apocalypse: I Built the Infinite Train

The group was filled with excitement. Lin Xian exchanged surprised glances with Chen Sixuan and KIKI before heading toward Factory Line 1. Even before entering, they noticed a dense array of robots moving in and out in an orderly fashion overhead, accompanied by the constant sounds of mechanical assembly and welding.

As Lin Xian and the others stepped into Factory Line 1, they couldn't help but hold their breath for a moment. This wasn't just a workshop—it resembled a man-made canyon. Steel supports on both sides stood like towering trees, holding up a curved dome. At the center of the canyon stood a colossal structure exuding an epic presence!

Its entire body was clad in black starship armor plates, stretching over 2,000 meters across the assembly area. It was hard to associate it with the term "train";
it was more like a massive floating starship.

What was most peculiar was that this behemoth was divided into four modules, each differing slightly in size and shape. When fully connected, it resembled an unsheathed interstellar greatsword, intimidating to behold.

"Wow, is this really a train?" Sasha's eyes widened.

"This is even larger than a Farstar-class starship," Shu Qin said in shock.

At that moment, everyone, including Da Lou, Liang Lei, Luo Yang, and Li Yi, was astounded. Youngsters like Miao Lu, Lü Chang, and Xiao Yuan were speechless with amazement.

"Impressive. I like it," Lu Xingchen said with enthusiasm, his eyes gleaming as he turned to Lin Xian. "Brother Lin, let's ride this ship, soar into the sky, and head toward the endless stars."

"Don't get carried away."

"Absolutely," Old Mo said, gazing upward with emotion, pointing to the strange black energy channels beneath the starship. "Those are called rail bows. They can generate a levitation field to adhere to orbital tracks. The orbital track design already includes standards for magnetic levitation and horizon gate devices, so it's entirely feasible."

"That's right."

An elderly engineer beside Jian Xuwei explained, "The initial plan for constructing the orbital track was to set it up in space, intended for building the Moon Ring planetary ring. The Moon Ring serves as both a space city and a transit station connecting the Moon. The Skydome Interstellar Train was designed for transporting materials between Earth and the Moon, offering high efficiency. However, due to technological limitations and regional cooperation issues at the time, the Moon Ring opted for the equatorial space elevator plan. The current orbital track belongs to the ground-based Phase I project, which has significantly improved efficiency through global magnetic levitation transport."

"Now, this Skydome-class interstellar megastructure train, codenamed 'Ark-7,' has its core hull divided into four sections. The first is the Core Drive Ship, housing the main control for defense weapons and the intelligent central system. Next is the Functional Ship, which includes orbital guidance, star navigation systems, and the gravity ring. The Skydome Train's 5,000-megawatt 'Star Drive' nuclear power core is located here, though the gravity ring is still under construction. This section also contains cryogenic sleep pods and a civilization embryo chamber for storing various materials. The third ship serves as the crew living area and the main bridge, primarily for interstellar train operations and technical personnel. Finally, the fourth ship is the Power Cabin, equipped with eight Eternal Star propulsion units. For reference, a 500,000-ton Farstar-class starship only has four!"

The elderly engineer adjusted his glasses and continued, "Additionally, since it's designed for transport, including floating engines and 2,000 propulsion arrays, this combined interstellar megastructure train can connect over 1,000 standard ship modules like the one you saw earlier. Each of these modules can accommodate at least a thousand people if used for habitation!"(qidian.com)

"So, why call it a train?" Lin Xian was puzzled but deeply impressed.

"Didn't I mention it can run along the track?" Jian Xuwei said calmly. "In extreme cases, as long as the structure allows, all your trains can be directly towed into the sky by it."

"Isn't that crazy?" Shi Deyuan said with a wry smile. "Our trains don't have floating engines. Being dragged into the sky by this thing would be like a rope."

"You're just describing it that way," Wen Binle said, looking at Jiang Yun. "Although we can now descend to Earth, using it as an orbital track traction vehicle would pose track issues. If that's not possible, you could form an alliance, cross the Pacific together. Even if we don't break through the Skydome barrier in a day, it still qualifies."

"You're not entirely wrong," Qian Dele said, stepping forward with a smile, looking at Wen Bin. "Jiang Yun, bring you along. You need a room with a porthole."

"You'll operate the orbital shock cannon!" Sasha raised her hand excitedly, eager to try.

"You'll be in charge of the information center!" KIKI giggled.

"You'll be the helmsman!" Luo Yang volunteered.

"Haha, you'll be the chief engineer!" Old Mo said with a laugh.

"Well, without that guy, you'd have to painstakingly upgrade Longshan No. 1," Jian Xuwei said, arms crossed, looking at Jiang Yun. "Brother Lin, let's form an alliance. With fewer people, our strength is limited. What do you think?"

For a moment, everyone was exhilarated. Before seeing the massive interstellar train, none of them had such aspirations.

Those outside had experienced the despair of being trapped on the track in the Star Ripple. But now, with the world shrouded by the Skydome barrier, in such circumstances, this train that can run on tracks, float in the air at critical moments, and possesses both power and functionality, is practically a tailor-made doomsday mobile city for us!

Jiang Yun watched the scene, his mind slightly dazed.

Just the day before, at Wangyue Shinji's banquet, he had mentioned wanting a vehicle that could fly, sail, and run on tracks. He hadn't expected such an interstellar warship to appear before him, making him question reality.

"How many standard ship modules like the one earlier are there?"

"Three, with another under construction, but it's about to be halted," Jian Xuwei said. "That's why I want to seek Silent City's help and ally with you."

"You want him to help build more?"

Jian Xuwei nodded. "Also, the weapon systems and gravity ring. The problem now is that all resources have been withdrawn from Dawn City. My original plan was to build at least ten standard ship modules, but at this rate, it's impossible."

"Ten? Do you have ten thousand people now?"

"Our alliance with Jiang Yun currently has over 60,000 people in Dawn City," Jian Xuwei said.

"You have 60,000 people!!!?" Lin Xian exclaimed. "Are you planning an uprising?"

Jian Xuwei smiled. "Besides our Finger Group members, some joined from Yubei Airport, and most united in Jinhai and Dawn City. The purpose of forming the alliance is to deal with the Crimson World. So, if we leave Dawn City, I'll coordinate actions through Finger Group's alliance convoys to enter the polar regions. Don't forget, I still have the Silver Star."

Lin Xian nodded. "I'm not surprised about Jiang Yun."

Speaking of which, Lin Xian greatly admired Jiang Yun. This guy could rally friends wherever he went. Building such a large alliance was no small feat.

"How about it?" Jian Xuwei looked at Lin Xian. "With the Star Abyss's anomalies intensifying, time is running out. If the Dawn Center crosses the Qionggu Strait, our fastest option is to traverse the oceanic track into South America. But to enter the polar regions, we must either cross the sea or fly. Your Infinity hasn't been prepared, right?"

"That's the plan," Lin Xian shrugged. "Sounds good. Even if people can't live on it yet, we can temporarily follow the regular train. With Silent City's help in construction, the interstellar train's expansion capabilities can continuously improve."

"Indeed."

"But Wangyue Shinji and the others aren't planning to cross the Pacific," Lin Xian said.

Jian Xuwei raised an eyebrow. "What?"

Lin Xian briefly explained Wangyue Shinji's thoughts. Jian Xuwei listened and sighed. "I understand. Then at least help us complete the fourth standard ship module, okay?"

"Sure."

Before Lin Xian could respond, a holographic screen on his communicator lit up, revealing Wangyue Shinji's calm face. He spoke, "Not only will we help you build standard ship modules, but weapon systems and the gravity ring are also no problem. I promised Lin to help him get this train up and running."

"You planned this all along?" Jian Xuwei looked at Wangyue Shinji and asked.

"Yes. Strictly speaking, Silent City and Lin are forever allies. Whatever he wants, I'll make it happen."

"Hey, you owe me a favor. Don't make it sound like we have some secret relationship," Lin Xian grinned. "Hurry over and study that colony.

"From the perspective of starship management, you're no longer just a team leader;
you're the captain now."

"Doesn't matter to me what you call me," Lin Xian chuckled. "We're just a coalition formed for survival in the apocalypse. No need for formalities."

"You're missing my point." Jian Xuwei lifted her chin slightly, her tone firm and unyielding. "If you're the captain, then allow me to be your first officer."

"Why?" Lin Xian smiled faintly.

He had already sensed Jian Xuwei's intentions earlier. When she led them into the factory, she positioned herself as the central figure initiating the alliance with Lin Xian. He understood this approach completely.

Jian Xuwei was the head of the Finger Group, managing thousands even with just the Silver Star. Her team was a major force behind the construction of the Sky Vault-class vessel. Combined with her alliance with Jiang Yun, totaling over 60,000 people, it was clear she aimed to recruit Lin Xian into her fold. However, during discussions, everyone rallied around Lin Xian as the leader, which seemed to surprise Jian Xuwei. Nonetheless, she didn't voice any objections. The Sky Vault required construction and control, something only Silent City and Lin Xian could manage. In this apocalyptic world, the "Sky Vault Infinite Train" needed a single decisive leader. Lin Xian wasn't one to curry favor;
he waited for Jian Xuwei to state her position directly.

Jian Xuwei, for her part, was taken aback by the alliance's formation and division of responsibilities. But upon learning that Silent City's Wang Yue Zhenshi was allied with Lin Xian—and that Lin Xian had even saved Silent City—she acknowledged his leadership. She had witnessed Lin Xian's extraordinary feats at Yubei Airport, which left a deep impression on her.

To Jian Xuwei, Lin Xian held a special place—not out of infatuation or superficial interest, but a rare admiration born of pride and curiosity. More importantly, she had to account for the 60,000 people under the Finger Group and the Dawn City Windwalker Alliance. For her, forming an alliance meant being at the core, not on the periphery.

Confident in her abilities and as a business leader, she wasn't one to rely on hints or assumptions. She needed a direct conversation with Lin Xian to express her needs.

"First, we've been through life-and-death situations together, so you can trust me and my people. As the head of the Finger Group, I can assist in strategic decisions and coordinate departmental operations. You can rely on my execution and capabilities. As a partner in the Wind and Cloud Alliance, I have a responsibility to my members. Even if they're not present, I must advocate for their interests…"

Seeing Lin Xian's amused expression, Jian Xuwei realized he had anticipated her intentions. Yet, she remained undeterred, meeting his gaze with pride.

"Lastly, I'm a woman who enjoys wielding power. I only accept being second to you because I've told myself—and convinced myself—that you…"

"…are the savior!"